Are you experiencing scalp discomfort and tingling? And you may wonder: “why does my scalp hurt when I move my hair?”
The scalp has a protective function for the head and hair, but many hair follicles are susceptible to infection and damage, causing sharp pain in this area. In many cases, headaches when moving hair can be due to many different causes.
Fortunately, many possible treatments are easy to do at home. This article is all you need to understand the most worthwhile causes and solutions.
Let’s scroll down to read more information!
Scalp Hurt Explanation
Before learning about the causes, you need to know precisely what scalp hurt is, its interpretation, and its overview.
There are different types of scalp pain, including itching, tingling, burning, and even aching. Some have even described the sensation as vigorous brushing, pulling, or scratching the scalp.
You might think your pain is coming from your hair, but the nerves under the skin are the root cause. Since the hair shaft does not include nerves, the scalp underneath will inevitably suffer from a strong pulling force.
Why Does My Scalp Hurt When I Move My Hair?
Natural scalp hurt is due to diseases such as dandruff, psoriasis, allergic contact dermatitis, or scalp folliculitis. For further explanation, when you move your hair, there is a natural scalp response to irritation and inflammation due to several leading causes:
Hair loss traction
The apparent cause when you feel a headache is hair loss due to strong pulling. This condition often occurs when you tie your hair too tightly, like a braid, ponytail, or weave.
Scalp psoriasis
Scalp psoriasis is a phenomenon where new cells develop and accumulate large and small patches on the body, more than 50% appearing on the human scalp.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the body’s natural immunity causes patches or flaking scales on the scalp.
In most cases, you feel very itchy and painful, leading to bleeding and prolonged hair loss.
Folliculitis
When exposed to bacteria, dust mites, and yeast, you’re more likely to get folliculitis, an inflamed hair follicle. At this point, your skin will appear small and itchy and have painful bumps.
Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common symptom of human scalp eczema. With this condition, your scalp tends to become oily, painful, and itchy due to blocked hair follicles.
Insomnia
Insomnia can cause unusual pain reactions, including scalp hurt and discomfort when moving hair. You’re more likely to get this symptom if you have health problems like fibromyalgia, diabetic neuropathy, and trigeminal neuralgia.
Other causes
In addition to the main reasons mentioned above, you can completely feel a headache when moving your hair in a few other cases:
- Exposure to high temperatures
- Use a styling tool like a straightener or curler
- Allergy to shampoo and other hair products
- Strong impact on hair and scalp
The Scalp Hurt Symptoms
Thus, you have grasped the leading causes of scalp hurt. This section lists the common symptoms when your hair is in this condition. These include:
- Itching
- Tingling
- Aching pain
- Lots of hair loss
- Prickling
- Many small, itchy pimples
- Burning
- Soreness
- It appears many color changes
- Yellow greasy scales on the scalp
Tips For Reducing Scalp Hurt
If you are fed up with scalp aches and pains, don’t worry, Ivirgo Hair Factory will give you the most helpful tips and tricks to overcome this scalp pain.
Diseases treatment
Frequent scalp pain can be the first symptom of a medical condition you suffer from. So, I recommend you consult your doctor to choose the most suitable treatment solution. For example, pain relievers are effective for acute scalp pain.
Or use an antibacterial cleanser and supplement with antibiotics if you suffer from folliculitis. It is the best way for you to get rid of the infection.
Relax hair and scalp
Adverse reactions like allergies to shampoos and other hair products also aggravate scalp pain. If you are also struggling with this problem, the first step is to stop using the product. Let your hair and scalp rest until the pain subsides.
Then, massage the scalp with natural essential oils such as lavender, rosemary, or some effective ulcer-healing product.
Take-home remedies and care.
Here are some natural chemicals and herbs that you can use to effectively remove scalp hurt and take better care of your hair. Let’s see.
Lemon juice
Adding a few drops of lemon juice to hair care products such as shampoos and conditioners will soothe the scalp and effectively relieve pain.
Because of its anti-inflammatory and highly acidic properties, this product can also help restore your scalp’s pH.
Accordingly, massage the scalp for about five minutes and rinse it with clean water.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel is one of the most gentle and safe products for the scalp. Just extract or squeeze fresh aloe vera leaf juice, creating a gel with excellent anti-inflammatory properties.
You should apply the gel evenly on your head and incubate for 30 minutes, then wash with clean water to remove all the plaque that causes itching.
OTC shampoo
OTC shampoos are the first choice if an infection or dandruff causes scalp pain. In addition, you need to avoid shampoos and other hair care products that contain alcohol, dyes, fragrances, parabens, and especially sulfates.
If an OTC shampoo doesn’t reduce your pain, ask your doctor to prescribe a prescription-strength shampoo.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Last but certainly not least is maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Many studies have shown that positive lifestyle changes are beneficial in treating scalp hurt when moving hair.
A well-balanced diet, adequate sleep, and regular exercise are all excellent options.
Conclusion
This article has helped you answer the question, why does my scalp hurt when I move my hair?
Scalp hurt is a common condition in people who often wear tight hairstyles. However, it can be caused by other underlying conditions such as folliculitis, psoriasis, and infections.
Although many effective home treatments are available, chronic scalp problems require careful medical attention.
I am Thomas Taw, the CEO of CITIZENSNIPS. I have experience in hair product development and chemical research, as well as sustainable resource engineering. In 2009, I co-created Sunsilk, one of the world's leading haircare brands. More recently, I was the CEO of SMOKINGPANDA LTD. I am a professional with a strong track record in delivering tangible results. Full his bio.
